'No deal' Brexit guidance and small business survey

Following the issue of some 'no deal' Brexit technical notices, in August, the government has issued further notices with the aim of helping both businesses and individuals to prepare in the event of a UK-EU agreement not being realised.

The second and third batches of notices cover topics such as passports, driving licences together with data protection and mobile phone roaming charges amongst other topics. The full list and access to the collection of technical notices can be viewed by visiting the link at the end of this article. The government has confirmed they plan to issue further technical notices.

Although reaching a deal remains the 'overriding priority' unless a Withdrawal Agreement is ratified by the UK and European Parliaments, the possibility of the UK leaving the EU without a deal on 29 March 2019 remains.

Meanwhile, a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed that:

Only 14% of small businesses have started planning for a no deal Brexit.

A further 41% believe that a no deal Brexit will have an impact on their business but have not yet started planning for the possibility.

10% believe that a no deal Brexit will have a positive impact on their ability to do business whilst 48% believe that a no deal Brexit will have a negative effect on their ability to do business. This figure rises sharply to 66% for those small firms that trade with the EU and to 61% for those that employ a staff member from the EU.

FSB National Chairman, Mike Cherry, said:

'Looking at this research it is obvious that our small firms are not prepared or ready for a chaotic no deal Brexit and the impact that it will have on their businesses. If you sell your products to the EU, buy goods from the EU or if your business relies on staff from the EU, you now see this outcome as a clear and present threat to your business.'